Applying for a visa

If you are from a country outside the European Economic Area you are likely to need a visa.

The Grimsby Institute is a tier 4 provider. Our International office is happy to provide you with free immigration advice, information and guidance on a range of study-related immigration queries.

This includes:

Tier 4 general visa applications

Problems with tier 4 visas

Other study-related immigration queries

Short-term study visas

Family visiting or dependants joining you in the UK.

What is a Tier 4 General Student Visa?

Tier 4 of the points-based system is the primary immigration route available to students who want to study full-time in the UK. They must be sponsored by an education provider that has a valid sponsor licence. For more information regarding tier 4 visas please visit www.gov.uk/tier-4-general-visa

Can I use a student visitor visa?

The student visitor route is available to students coming to the UK for short periods of study. You can find out more about the visitor route on the UKVI website.

Documents required to apply for a visa

When applying for a visa it is important that your application is correct and you provide all of the documents for your application to avoid having your visa application being refused.

Document Checklist:

1) Your passport, which must be valid at the time of your application, as well as other passports that you used to travel to/from the UK.

6) If your offer and/or CAS states that you are exempted from the English language requirement on the basis of a qualification from the majority English speaking country , you will also need to obtain a NARIC Statement of Comparability for your qualification and submit it in support of your tier 4 visa application together with your original qualification and all other relevant documents.

8) Your bank statement must show that you have enough money to pay your outstanding course fees (as listed on your CAS) and a minimum of £9,135 (£1,015 x 9 months) living expenses (or at least £1,015 per each month of your course if it is shorter than 9 months).

9) The funds must have been in your bank account for at least 28 consecutive (calendar) days ending with the date of the closing balance. The bank statement itself cannot be older than one month on the date of your visa application.

10) You can provide your parents’ bank statements, but will need to provide more documents in support of your visa application, such as original birth certificate, official translation if not in English, original letter from your parents confirming that you are their child and that you have their permission to use their funds.

Translating documents

If you need to translate your qualifications or any other documents in the UK, you can find local translation agencies using one of the internet search engines. It is advisable to contact a few agencies to compare costs and the length of time it will take agencies to translate your documents before deciding on one.

A certified translation must be dated and include details of the translator/translation agency (name and contact details), their signature and confirmation that it is an accurate translation of the original documents.

Healthcare Charges:

If you intend to come to the UK for more than 6 months, you will need to pay a health care surcharge as part of your tier 4 visa application. You pay the surcharge as part of the visa online application process.

Biometric details:

You’ll be asked by the UK Government to provide your biometric information as part of your visa application when you attend your Visa Application Centre.

Credibility interview:

The Home Office now has a scheme that will allow Entry Clearance Officers (ECOs) to request an interview with students in order to ascertain that the student’s intentions to study in the UK are genuine.

The process is carried out in two stages; students will be given a short interview lasting around 5 minutes at the point when your biometrics are taken. Students may then be called back for a further in-depth interview.

What happens if you are called for an interview: It is essential that if you are called for interview, you are able to satisfy the Entry Clearance Officer (ECO) in the following areas. This is not a complete list and is only intended as a guide. You can be questioned regarding any aspect of your background or study plans.

Ability to speak English (regardless of IELTS score)

Knowledge of intended course of study/Grimsby Institute

Academic/employment background

Future plans

Finance.

If you are called to interview you must attend. Remember to prepare carefully and request a transcript at your interview appointment.

During your application process please ensure that you check your junk mail as this could be an email from the Home Office asking you to attend an interview. If you fail to attend an interview your application could be refused automatically.

New Visa to travel:

If your visa application is successful and you will be staying in the UK for more than 6 months, UKVI will issue you a one month Entry Clearance (permission to enter the UK) in a form of a vignette (sticker in your passport) that will allow you enter the UK.

When you arrive in the UK, you will need to collect your BRP card.

Collect your new BRP Card once in the UK

Your BRP card is a Biometric Residence Permit (visa) that confirms your right to be in the UK for the duration of your studies. When you receive your BRP card, please check it to ensure that all of the details are correct.

Please also make sure that you comply with the conditions listed on your new BRP card.

You can collect your BRP from the local Post Office, your UKVI letter will have the address and the date your BRP will be available from. It is important that you collect your BRP on the date stated. You will need your passport, UKVI letter, your UK address and contact number to enable you to collect it. You will be given help and information on, e.g., where the local Post Office is, when you arrive.

Frequently asked questions

Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) is a virtual document which provides a CAS number and a CAS statement. You will only need a CAS if you are planning to apply for a student visa or visa extension under tier 4 of the Points Based Immigration System.

A CAS number is a combination of letters and numbers and has 14 digits. Each CAS number is unique for an international student studying at a specific tier 4 sponsor for his/her chosen course(s) in the UK.

This will depend on your personal circumstances. You will only need a CAS if you are applying for your visa or visa extension as a Tier 4 General Student. If you are not sure whether you will need a CAS, please contact the international office.

Yes. If your payment has been fully recorded you will receive a receipt from the Institute and this payment will be entered on to your CAS statement. The Institute will only issue a CAS when the first year’s tuition fee is paid in full.

If you are unsuccessful and your visa is refused, the Institute will refund any fees you have paid minus a £250 administration fee.

You will need to apply for a Tier 4 General Student (Adult) Visa. Information regarding the visa application process can be found on the UK Border Agency website at www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk.

All applications for admission on to full-time Higher Education courses at the University Centre Grimsby are to be made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS), which provides administration for all Higher Education applications. It is preferable that you have a visa in order to make a UCAS application.

It will cost £24 for applications made to multiple institutions through UCAS in 2018 (you are eligible to apply for a maximum of 5 choices) or £13 for an application to a single institution.

Applications can be made to UCAS via their website at www.ucas.com or call 0800 328 3631